The Luo community, one of the largest ethnic groups in Kenya, is renowned for its intellect, artistry, and strong advocacy for democratic space in the country.
With a population of over 5 million people according to the 2019 Kenya National Bureau of Statistics census, the Luo community has produced some of the wealthiest and most successful individuals in the country.
Sammy Wakiaga is one of the wealthiest people in Luo Nyanza. He is a seasoned real estate mogul with properties in Kisumu, Nairobi, Mombasa, and Homa Bay, including The Rusinga Lodge. Wakiaga also owns several ferries that ply the Mbita-Luanda Kotieno route, linking Siaya and Homabay Counties.
He is a native of the Suba subtribe of the Luo and a close ally of ODM Party leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto. Wakiaga’s wealth is estimated to be in the billions, making him one of the richest Luo men.
James Rege, a former Karachuonyo Constituency MP, is also considered one of the richest people in Luo Nyanza. Rege co-owns a company that finances businesses and was named among the 13 billionaires who funded former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s campaigns in 2017.
Raila Odinga, the former Prime Minister and ODM Party leader, is one of the richest Kenyans, with an estimated net worth of over US$200 million, according to Forbes.
Besides politics, Raila is an astute businessman who owns companies, including Spectre International Limited and Pan African Petroleum Company. Raila also owns multi-million properties, including an expansive house in Kisumu’s Riat Hills, a fleet of luxury cars, and a residence in Karen.
Edwin Ochieng Yinda is another wealthy businessman in Luo Nyanza who lost the Alego/Usonga parliamentary seat to George Mulwan. Yinda decided to quit politics and went back to running his vast business empire. Before he joined politics, the wealthy Yinda repaired ships and sold processed tea through Venus Tea Brokers Ltd.
for more than 20 years. He is the current chairman and executive director at Supply Linkages Limited and also serves as director at Cent Savvy Investments Ltd. He is a board member of St. Andrew’s School, Turi.
Evans Gor Semelang’o is a Kenyan businessman and the former Youth Enterprise and Development Fund chairman, where he won the hearts of Kenyans by surrendering his salary to the youth. Gor is a flashy and flamboyant individual who owns expensive cars like Range Rover Sports and Prado, just to name a few.
The millionaire has business interests in real estate and oil and petroleum, transport, media, and tourism industries and owns a number of companies, including Petrokenya Oil Company Limited and Talanta Media. He also owns businesses in New York.
Jared Otieno is a popular tycoon and businessman well-known to Kenyans for his lavish spending. A close ally of Kenya’s top politicians and media personalities, Jared is a man who will bring an entire town to a standstill. Among the most expensive things owned by this tycoon are a Ksh 30 million Porsche Panamera, a Ksh 20 million helicopter, and a luxurious home in Karen.
